A Ninja Captain Plays Favorites?!

Hey, gang! As I'm sure you've noticed if you're even remotely plugged into the blogging world this week, our very own Alex Cavanaugh (AKA the Ninja Rocker, AKA the Ninja Captain, AKA the Blogging Maniac, AKA Robo-Alex...) released the third and final installment of his Sci-fi space opera series, CassaStorm.

As part of the occasion, Alex is storming the Web and answering a bunch of random questions from his blogging buddies. I've had a blast reading all of the Q&A, and am excited to finally be able to post my own.

Also, be sure to omment on Alex’s blog this week for a chance to win a Cassa mug, mousepad, magnet, and swag!

E.J.'s Question:  What are your top 3 science fiction stories (movies, TV, books, etc.) of all time? (I know this is going to kill you! bwahahahahaha)

The Captain Answers: EJ! That is so unfair. Well, I’m not going to play fair with my answer, either. (We knew you couldn't play favorites!)

Top science fiction stories of all time – Firefly/Serenity, Star Trek (all), and Stargate SG1/Atlantis. And yes, those cover television, movies, and books, as I’ve read adventures from all three.

You should have to name your favorite now…

E.J.: Fair enough! Star Wars (movies, books, & animated), Ender's Game (book), & Battle Star Galactica (2004 TV series).

Everyone else: Be sure to tell us what your favorites are in the comments!

CassaStorm

By Alex J Cavanaugh

From the Amazon Best Selling Series!

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

“CassaStorM is a touching and mesmerizing space opera full of action and emotion with strong characters and a cosmic mystery.” – Edi’s Book Lighhouse

“Cavanaugh creates such an unforgettable world, and these characters will stay with you long after their story is over.”
- Cassie Mae, author of Friday Night Alibi and How to Date a Nerd

“…the racial conflicts propelled much of the plot in this story, driving home a message that's relevant to our own world and giving the book an interesting texture.”
- C. Lee. McKenzie, author of Alligators Overhead

$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera

Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019

$4.99 EBook available in all formats

Find CassaStorm:

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1116848619?ean=9781939844002

Amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/dp/1939844002/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378484337&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm

Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-ebook/dp/B00F2O9QMC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378811366&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17670532-cassastorm

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

Website – http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Twitter – http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4287922.Alex_J_Cavanaugh

CassaStorm Cover Reveal

Hey gang! Hope you've all had a fabulous week, and are ready to take the weekend by storm (see what I did there?). Or maybe just sleep a lot...

Today, a man who needs no introductions (who I'm going to introduce anyway, because that's just what we do around here), has a brilliant new cover to reveal.

I'm excited to share that our Ninja Captain, Alex Cavanaugh, is finally putting the bow on his epic, sci-fi trilogy with the release of the third Cassa book, CassaStorm. 

The good news: The cover rocks ALMOST as hard as the Ninja Rocker himself.

The bad news: We're going to have wait a bit to read it.

Nonetheless, let's all wish Alex a resounding 'HUZZAH', and let our eyes indulge in this tasty treat:

CassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh

http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, his only struggles are occasional rogue pirate raids and endless government bureaucracies. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, shaking Bassan to the core and threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could be on its way back. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

Release date: September 17, 2013

Science Fiction - Space Opera/Adventure

Print ISBN 9781939844002

E-book ISBN 9781939844019

Wherein We Launch the Epic - A Book Birth

As foretold many moons ago--well, yesterday really--today shall be a day of celebration! My dear blog friend, Alex J. Cavanaugh, is bringing the second installment of his thrilling sci-fi adventure series into the world today. 

The new book, CassaFire, promises to pick up where CassaStar left off. That means you'd better put the dogs to bed, lock the doors and uncork the merlot, cause we're in for a treat! 

To be fair, that's what I do every night to celebrate reading time or a new episode of Downton Abbey, but the CassaFire release certainly merits a continuance of festivities.

Also going on today is the Catch Fire Blog Party, celebrating the release of CassaFire. The goal is to help CassaFire “catch fire” on the best seller charts and achieve the success of the first book, CassaStar. There’s also a special package of prizes being given away at the author’s blog (copies of CassaFire, CassaStar, tote bag, mug, and bookmarks) as well as book giveaways during his two-week blog tour. See Alex’s site for details: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Ubiquitous Reader (you): Great, but what's the story about? 

EJ: Glad you asked!

CassaFire

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities. 

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

What others are saying: 

CassaFire is the sequel to Cavanaugh’s first book, CassaStar, an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller:

“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

Ubiquitous Reader (you): Where can I snag my own copy, just incase I don't win one through the awesome Catch Fire blog contests?

EJ: You ask all the clever questions, don't you? Spank my bottom! (trying out new catchphrases, sorry) You can check the links below!

You can visit the author’s site at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cassafire-alex-j-cavanaugh/1034742568

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/CassaFire-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/dp/0982713940/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329417150&sr=1-1

Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/CassaFire-ebook/dp/B007A2TSNG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329663355&sr=1-1

Also available in tree!

CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science fiction - space opera/adventure
Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback
EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats

Check my post from yesterday for a look at the awesome CassaFire trailer.  Best of luck to Alex this week, no one is more deserving of great success. I sincerely hope you'll join me in helping his book get off to a great start! 

~EJW~

Book Media Reviews & Other Fantastical Fun

Hey gang! I trust your weekends were better than Ryan Seacrest's. (Oscar joke! Don't worry, there aren't any more ... ) Also hope you're well-rested, cause we're going to be running like a squirrel in a cage (that's Texas speak for busy) here on the Open Vein this week.

To kick us off I've decided to revisit an old blog feature that was a lot of fun. Second, we're going to celebrate the book launch of a very special blog-friend. Finally, we'll end the week by tackling some hard questions when I scrutinize authors using social media as an advertising platform. (Yes, I see the irony, and that's the point.)

Hope you'll join me for any and all of it!

Today is the beginning of one of my (and I'm certain many of yours)  favorite author bloggers, Alex J. Cavanaugh, launch week for his newest work CassaFire. Alex is an ultra-dedicated and entertaining blogger, so it's not surprising his books garner similar praise. CassaFire promises sci-fi action and adventure of the highest order and I'm certain it won't let us down.

I'll give you the full skinny tomorrow, but I wanted to bring it to your attention today as it is the launch of the official CATCH FIRE! blog tour. Alex is giving away some really sweet goodies on his blog (including copies of the book, the first book in the series--CassaStar--totebag, mug and more) and I didn't want you to miss an opportunity. AS IF THAT WEREN'T ENOUGH, Alex runs one of THE best blogs out there, so you'll be a winner of outstanding company if nothing else.

Entering is simple: just hop over to his blog and leave a comment for a chance to win. (click CATCH FIRE! above to go to his site and sign up) Again, more CassaFire goodness to come tomorrow...

THE RETURN OF TRAILER TALK--
SORT OF

Way back when I reviewed book trailers on this blog. I called it Trailer Talk, and I had a lot of fun doing it. Not sure why I quit ... 

Anyway, I'm going to start doing them again, but with a few changes. The biggest being that I'm actually going to open it up to all kinds of book-related media. Why? Because times are a changing and, thanks to the myriad of tech-type-devices you can use to read on, people are interacting with books in all kinds of fun ways.

Video, music, maps and pretty much anything under the sun can be used as promotional tools or accessories to the reading experience. So, as authors and readers, I think it's worth examining them all.

Consider this an open call: if you have a trailer, etc. you'd like me to review, shoot me the link. PROVISOS: I don't guarantee a review; I don't take money, cookies, etc. for reviews; I will review it as I see it, so I can't promise I'll say something nice--though I usually do.

On that note, these reviews are intended to reflect the effectiveness of the media as promotional tools or accessories to the books/stories they represent. THEY ARE NOT MY REVIEWS OF THE WORTH OR QUALITY OF THE STORIES THEMSELVES. So if I happen to review the trailer for your book and don't love it, please don't consider it to be a slam of your book or you personally. I'm very aware that some authors make their own media/trailers, and some have absolutely nothing to do with it.

To get us started, I've (of course) selected the trailer for CassaFire

CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh
Category: Book Trailer


What the book is about (via Amazon product description): 

"The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities. 

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…"

What I Liked: 

The music! Very punchy and futeristic. Really sets the tone for the entire trailer. The computer animations are awesome-to-stunning, particularly the panning camera that focuses on Byron near the beginning and the finale that takes us from spaceship to book cover. Also really loved how the narration didn't run the entire time. Too many trailers try to tell us everything when the medium is built around the visual. Good authors are masters at showing and not telling, yet it doesn't always get applied to the media. 

What I didn't: 

I like the concept of the flaming CassaFire logo in the beginning, but I wanted it to have more of an impact. The flames were small, and the logo faded probably a little too quickly for my taste. Just a touch more punch would do ... Maybe a big sound effect or drum thump when the title hits and then have it scorch off the screen or something? I've always felt that the one thing a trailer should accomplish is burning the name of the book into the viewer's mind.  

Similarly, I loved the transition scene from narration to action, especially the pause and, "all I wanted was my privacy". Very powerful. However, I didn't feel the words matched the intensity of what we were seeing/hearing on the video. Instead of "all I wanted was my privacy" I expected something like, "all I wanted was to escape my past" or "all I wanted was to find the man who'd haunted me" or something equally cryptic. A minor thing, but it pulled me out of the trailer for a moment to think, "dude, take a nap if you want some alone time; you've got a frigging universe to explore and an alien babe to talk to!" 

Did it worK?

Absolutely. A lot of the digitally animated trailers I've seen are bland and lifeless. Not this one. The environments were lush and beautiful, and the dogfighting ships were exciting. The CassaFire trailer is more akin to watching cutscenes from an excellent video game. I even liked the character models, which is usually the killer. (i.e. making human characters not come off as creepy, puppet-corpse-people with slightly moving lips) I think this is a reference quality trailer for sure. Meaning, if you're looking to make one of your own, watch it and learn. Great job!

What say you? Did you enjoy the trailer? Do you even like book trailers at all? (Some people hate them. That's cool too.)

~EJW~